OK. The writing is not of the absolute best, and I really didn't care about the who-dunnit plot, but the details on Inuit life were totally fascinatinOK. The writing is not of the absolute best, and I really didn't care about the who-dunnit plot, but the details on Inuit life were totally fascinating. ...more

I'm a glutton for war books and enjoyed this American Civil War novel a lot. It's an "ensemble" novel, if there is such a thing, with lots of characteI'm a glutton for war books and enjoyed this American Civil War novel a lot. It's an "ensemble" novel, if there is such a thing, with lots of characters whose lives are loosely interwoven. Only weakness is that the characters sometimes seem slightly thinly-drawn but great lively-told history. ...more

Haven't finished yet but, at the moment, I'm going to have give this one star. From a promising start, it has descended into utter drivel. DISAPPOINTIHaven't finished yet but, at the moment, I'm going to have give this one star. From a promising start, it has descended into utter drivel. DISAPPOINTING JAMES!!!!!! ...more

This started off OK but, by the end, was absolutely horrific. Grotesque. Jen Mason said she was reading it while we were at an event somewhere.. it haThis started off OK but, by the end, was absolutely horrific. Grotesque. Jen Mason said she was reading it while we were at an event somewhere.. it has a great cover. She told me it was gruesome but, for some reason, I totally ignored her and bought it. Seriously regretted it. Absolutely HORRIBLE for last third of the book!...more

Usual tight, brilliant writing from McEwan, and sense of perfacing melancholy. I love all the characters in this so far.. great read. OK.. went througUsual tight, brilliant writing from McEwan, and sense of perfacing melancholy. I love all the characters in this so far.. great read. OK.. went through a period of LOATHING this book but now he's getting his come-uppance, I'm BACK IN!...more

I have no idea whether the stilted nature of the writing is because this is how Fallada wrote, or whether it's a stilted translation. I found this novI have no idea whether the stilted nature of the writing is because this is how Fallada wrote, or whether it's a stilted translation. I found this novel frustrating.. I wanted it to be so much better than it was, or maybe just different....more